Impaired vision v23n22

Impaired vision!

V23 n22

Impaired: to lessen in strength, value, excellence or quality; to damage as health, reputation, or fortune.

There are so many different things that are out there in this present world, that can hinder or impair one’s vision. So many different things that can be a distraction to one’s spiritual walk. A person can be walking, and without warning hear a very loud sound, which causes them to look around to see what it is that is making the noise. In doing so, one has to take their focus away from that which they are doing, which can cause a person to miss a step, and in doing this can cause them to stumble or fall. (1 Peter 5:8)

Another example that we can look at, is that which can happen when one is driving a car. One can be driving along, and in an instant be in the midst of a snowstorm, rain storm, or even into a thick fog. Immediately one’s vision is very hindered or limited. It can cause one to be unsure of the location of the road, as well as concern for one’s own safety. (Mt 7:13-14, Pr 16:25)

One more example that we can look at, applies to those that have to use glasses in their day to day life. For a person to lose or break their glasses, can cause a person to become very unsure of the next step that they have to take. It can then also cause them to become unsure of that which they are reading or observing. What is common every day life for someone else, now becomes very difficult for them. (For those that do not wear or use glasses, this may be a bit hard to comprehend).

Jesus Christ in talking with Nicodemus, (John 3:1-21) , tells Nicodemus quite plainly, that unless a person be born again (of the water and of the Spirit), that they would not be able to see or enter the kingdom of God. Thus why the Bible tells us that we are to walk by faith (the message delivered by the Word of God, Christ) and not by sight or the physical senses.

Where there is no vision (revelation), the people will perish. One needs the revelation from God, in order to recognize that new creation that they are in Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:16-17, 16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. KJV

In spite of all of the worldly wisdom and knowledge that Paul the Apostle had acquired prior to his conversion, he is clear to tell us that which he needed, was not revealed by any person, but rather by God Himself.

Galatians 1:11-12, 11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. KJV

It takes that new life in Christ, for one to acquire the spiritual vision to navigate that strait and narrow path that can lead one to eternal life. One has to accept the fullness of this gift (Eph 4:7) that God has made available to us; for in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and it is in Him that you are complete. It is in Him, that are hid all the treasures of spiritual wisdom and knowledge. (Rom 8:8-9, Col 2:2-3) .

One needs the eyes of their understanding to be enlightened, so that you may know, not guess, what is the hope of His calling. (Many are called, but few are chosen.).

One must walk in His Spirit, in order to be a partaker of His divine nature. In order to walk in the Spirit, (the eyes of your understanding being enlightened), one must set aside the lusts and desires of the flesh.

Galatians 5:16 This then is what I mean. Let your lives be guided by the Spirit, and then you will certainly not indulge the cravings of your lower natures. 17 For the cravings of the lower nature are opposed to those of the Spirit, and the cravings of the Spirit are opposed to those of the lower nature; because these are antagonistic to each other, so that you cannot do everything to which you are inclined. 18 But if the Spirit is leading you, you are not subject to Law. 19 Now you know full well the doings of our lower natures. Fornication, impurity, indecency, idol-worship, sorcery; 20 enmity, strife, jealousy, outbursts of passion, intrigues, dissensions, factions, envyings; 21 hard drinking, riotous feasting, and the like. And as to these I forewarn you, as I have already forewarned you, that those who are guilty of such things will have no share in the Kingdom of God. (Weymouth translation).

For the lusts and desires of the flesh will cloud or impair ones spiritual vision. How is you spiritual sight this day?

That you may know Him,

In the service of Jesus Christ.

Larry Gazelka